It had been a long time since the St. Catherine University soccer team last defeated Augsburg College. Defeating the No. 25-ranked Auggies for the first time since 2004 seemed like a daunting task as the national powerhouse hadn't lost a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) all season and had just one loss to date in 2015. 

The impossible was made possible, though, as the Wildcats needed just 3:25 to seal an eventual 2-0 victory over the Auggies to end the winless streak Wednesday afternoon in front of a home crowd in St. Paul. 

"This was a very busy week for us, playing on Monday and having to turn around and compete against one of the top teams in the country today," said Head Coach Chris Citowicki. "The team responded well. We didn't use that as an excuse and came out flying. I am very proud of them and can't wait to get back to business tomorrow."

The Wildcats controlled every aspect of play against the Auggies with an 11-5 advantage in shots, 5-2 lead in shots on goal and 6-3 difference in corner kick opportunities – including one that led to the second Wildcat goal. 

First, the Wildcats didn't waste any time in claiming the lead as Iryna Talkachova (Shoreview, Minn./Shattuck-St. Mary's) recorded her first collegiate goal and game-winning goal all in one in just the fourth minute. Allie Boucher (Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater) took a throw in just off the goal line that entered the box to Talkachova who placed the ball just above Auggie keeper Marissa Guillou. 

With a 1-0 lead after the first half, the Wildcats continued their strong play into the remaining 45 minutes and scored an insurance goal when Ellen Kokes (Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson) headed in her fourth goal of the season inside the box after receiving a corner kick from Elly Leyva (San Jacinto, Calif./San Jacinto) in the 53rd minute. 

Danielle Mendez (Bloomington, Minn./Academy of Holy Angels) earned her fifth win of the season and second shutout of the season stopping both Auggie shots on goal. With the assist, Leyva has now recorded a point in three-consecutive games and moves to 15 points on the season with a team-best five assists. She and Talkachova led the Wildcat attack with three shots each, while Kokes and Hannah Okerstrom (Bayport, Minn./Stillwater) each had two. 

With the win, the Wildcats improve to 6-4-1 on the season and 2-3 in the MIAC. They return to action Saturday taking on St. Olaf College for a 1 p.m. matchup in Northfield, Minnesota. 

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